Jenson Brooksby, ranked as the third-lowest ATP title winner in history, triumphed over Frances Tiafoe in the Houston final yesterday with a score of 6-4, 6-2.
The 24-year-old American tennis player demonstrated incredible resilience throughout the tournament, successfully saving match points in three separate matches leading up to his victory.
Brooksby`s victory is an inspiration to fans worldwide, particularly given his past challenges. The former world No.33 has openly discussed his struggles with severe autism.
Last December, Brooksby, originally from Delaware, shared that he was diagnosed with severe autism as a young child and was non-verbal until the age of four.
From the age of two, he underwent intensive therapy, sometimes for as much as 40 hours a week.
Brooksby believes that overcoming these early life challenges has contributed to his strength and resilience on the tennis court.
Reflecting on his win against Tiafoe, he mentioned to ATP media that facing adversity both on and off the court provides a unique perspective. He acknowledged still experiencing nerves but emphasized that past hardships help in managing pressure.
Brooksby first gained attention in 2021, reaching the fourth round of the U.S. Open as a wildcard, where he even won a set against Novak Djokovic.
However, his career faced a setback when he was suspended from tennis for missing three drug tests within a 12-month period.
In an interview with the BBC regarding his ban, Brooksby suggested that his autism may have contributed to the missed tests.
He explained that while his agent helps manage his daily schedule to aid his focus, the complexity of managing various aspects of a tennis player`s life can be challenging for him. He has accepted the suspension and moved on.
Initially an 18-month ban, it was reduced to 13 months on appeal, allowing Brooksby to return to play in March 2024. However, he delayed his comeback until this year`s Australian Open due to persistent shoulder and wrist injuries.
Despite uncertainty about his return to professional tennis as recently as last October, Brooksby has now achieved his first tour-level title.
Known for his distinctive playing style, featuring slices and an ability to redirect pace, Brooksby entered the Houston tournament ranked No.507, needing a wildcard to qualify.
COMEBACK KING
Brooksby`s path to victory included saving a match point in the qualifying first round against Federico Gomez and then saving three consecutive match points against third seed Alejandro Tabilo in the main draw`s second round.
He continued his remarkable comebacks by saving another match point against top seed Tommy Paul in the semi-finals.
In the final, Brooksby started strongly against Tiafoe, quickly taking a 4-0 lead with impressive tennis.
Though Tiafoe, a former U.S. Open semi-finalist, fought back to level the first set at 4-4, Brooksby maintained composure to hold serve and then break in the subsequent game, securing the first set.
After breaking serve in the sixth game of the second set, Brooksby confidently won the match 6-4, 6-2.
In his on-court interview after the win, Brooksby thanked his team for their unwavering support throughout the qualifying rounds and the tournament, highlighting the intensity of saving a match point early on.
This title win has propelled Brooksby over 300 places up the rankings to No.172.
Based on his performance in Houston, Jenson Brooksby is proving to be a formidable player as he continues his comeback.
